Residents and businesses in South Philadelphia affected by the severe storms on July 11 can apply for new state and federal financial assistance as recovery efforts continue across the city.
The aid became available after damage assessments conducted by the City of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and federal partners documented widespread impacts from severe microburst storms that brought heavy rain, flash flooding and straight-line wind gusts of up to 70 mph. The storms knocked down hundreds of trees and damaged homes, businesses and public infrastructure in parts of South and West Philadelphia.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city is continuing to work with residents and businesses still recovering from the storm.
“The abrupt and severe storms that occurred on July 11 quickly impacted residents and businesses’ lives in the City of Philadelphia,” Parker said. “Our city departments remain working to hear from those who experienced storm damage to understand what needs they may have as they recover from their losses and begin to put their homes, lives and businesses back together. We are grateful for the strong intergovernmental partnership that is bringing additional support to those impacted. I thank Gov. (Josh) Shapiro and his administration for moving quickly to help our communities recover and become whole again.”
Shapiro’s administration announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Pennsylvania’s request for disaster assistance, making low-interest loans available to eligible homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations. PEMA also activated the state’s Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, which provides grants to qualifying residents for home repairs, temporary housing, rental assistance and replacement of certain personal property.
The city also reminded small businesses that they may qualify for Philadelphia’s Emergency Grant Program, which offers grants of up to $20,000 for businesses affected by unexpected disasters, including flooding.
Contact the Mayor’s Business Action Team in the Department of Commerce at 215-683-2100 or business@phila.gov.
South Philadelphia saw extensive storm impacts, including damage at FDR Park, where fallen trees disrupted the popular weekend markets. The city Department of Commerce awarded a $36,650 Vending Opportunities Expansion Grant to the Vendors Association of FDR Park to replace equipment damaged during the storm, allowing the markets to reopen the following weekend.
The Office of Emergency Management reviewed more than 1,000 damage reports submitted by residents and completed 190 preliminary damage assessments with partner agencies. Nearly 450 people sought assistance at temporary resource centers held in South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia and Wynnefield, according to city officials.
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Department of Streets responded to more than 500 tree emergencies, while the city’s Organic Recycling Center processed more than 2,500 tons of storm debris in less than three weeks — roughly half its typical annual volume. Philly311 also handled more than 5,000 storm-related service requests during a 10-day emergency activation.
Residents seeking in-person help with federal disaster loan applications can visit the SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Center at Dixon House, 1920 S. 20th St.
The center will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 19.
City officials said residents with remaining storm debris should continue reporting issues through Philly311, while those needing additional recovery assistance can visit one of the city’s Neighborhood Community Action Centers. ••
